Why Do I Need My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Professional cleanings are essential for many reasons. During cleanings, we can access all areas of your teeth, including the ones you may have a harder time cleaning at home. We also have the tools to remove even the most stubborn tartar, or calcified plaque that cannot be brushed away. This helps prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. With professional cleanings, we can also help prevent a myriad of other issues caused by gum disease and infections, including respiratory issues, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Even though we are just cleaning your teeth, we can help protect your whole-body health.
Getting Your Teeth Cleaned
Professional cleanings are a fairly straightforward procedure. We begin by scraping all surfaces of your teeth. Using a specialized tool, we scrape away plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris from all visible surfaces of your teeth, including between the teeth and along and below the gum line.
After we have scraped your teeth, we move on to polishing them. We do this with an electric handpiece and a special dental polish. The polish contains abrasives that scrub your teeth’s surfaces as the electric handpiece head rotates. This eliminates surface stains and debris, leaving your teeth with a beautiful, clean shine.
Finally, the last step of your dental cleaning is flossing. We carefully floss between each of your teeth to eliminate any buildup that might be hiding out there. Flossing also helps remove loose debris and polish that may have accumulated between your teeth during your cleaning.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Cleanings?
There are numerous benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.
- We can clean all areas of your teeth, including the areas you may not be able to access at home.
- We can remove all buildup from your teeth, including the most stubborn plaque.
- Keeping your teeth clean helps to prevent serious oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. It also helps protect your overall health.
- You get a brighter smile. Removing surface stains whitens your teeth.
- Removing bacteria and other debris from your teeth leaves you with fresher breath.
- You save money.
By preventing oral health issues in the first place, you avoid the need for potentially expensive dental treatments later. With professional cleanings, we can help prevent serious oral health issues. To schedule your next professional cleaning, call Shenandoah Family Dentistry – Winchester today at 540-773-0234.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Teeth Cleanings
How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?
Many patients benefit from professional teeth cleanings every six months, along with daily brushing and flossing at home. Some patients may need more frequent cleanings based on their oral health and risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
Can a dental cleaning remove tartar?
Yes. Professional dental cleanings can remove hardened tartar, also called calculus, that cannot be removed effectively with regular brushing and flossing. Removing this buildup helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Will a professional cleaning make my teeth whiter?
A dental cleaning can make the smile look brighter by removing surface stains and buildup. However, professional cleaning is different from teeth whitening and does not change the natural color of the teeth.
Are dental cleanings helpful for preventing gum disease?
Regular cleanings help control plaque and tartar buildup, two major contributors to gum disease. Routine preventive visits also give the team at Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA an opportunity to identify signs of gum problems before they become more advanced.
What if my teeth are sensitive during a cleaning?
Some patients experience sensitivity during dental cleanings, particularly when there is significant tartar buildup or gum recession. Letting the dental team know about sensitivity before treatment can help them adjust the appointment for greater comfort.
Can a dental cleaning prevent cavities?
Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth decay. Combined with brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and routine dental examinations, professional cleanings are an important part of cavity prevention.
Do I still need professional cleanings if I brush and floss every day?
Yes. Brushing and flossing are essential for daily oral care, but they cannot remove hardened tartar. Professional cleanings reach areas that are hard to clean thoroughly at home and help keep buildup under control.
Where can I get professional teeth cleaning in Winchester, VA?
Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester provides professional dental cleanings as part of comprehensive preventive dental care. The practice is located at 1705 Amherst St#102 Winchester, VA 22601. To schedule a cleaning, call 540-773-0234.
